Female pass rates for practical car driving tests in Northern Ireland have surpassed male rates for the first time in a rolling four-quarter average. The overall female rate stands at 53 per cent, compared to 52.8 per cent for males. The combined rate for both sexes is 52.9 per cent.

This marks a shift from historical trends. Before the pandemic, a gender gap existed in pass rates. Since testing resumed in summer 2020, the gap has narrowed. To the end of December 2025, females lead by 0.2 percentage points.

Three test centres buck the trend with higher male pass rates: Altnagelvin in Londonderry at 50.3 per cent for males versus 48.2 per cent for females; Coleraine; and Larne. The overall pass rate at Altnagelvin is estimated at 49.3 per cent.

Females recorded higher rates at 13 other centres. Armagh shows the largest gap at 67.1 per cent for females against 61 per cent for males. Lisburn follows with 48.8 per cent for females against 46 per cent for males.

Data comes from the Department for Infrastructure's DfI Driver, Vehicle, Operator, and Enforcement Statistics for 2025/26 Quarter Three.